Some of Tokyo’s best cafes are tucked away in little pocket-sized treasure coves. Hidden in a residential area near TOKYO SKYTREE(R) is a cafe that will make cat lovers and coffee lovers alike go gaga. Introducing the wonderful 3D latte art of "Oshiage Nyanko!" Despite being hard to find, it’s incredibly famous and well-known for its latte art in Tokyo. People come to this cafe from as far away as Fukuoka and Hokkaido!

Taking the Express Line to Cloud 9: Deliciously Cute Latte Art

"I want to make delicious drinks that make people happy" is what Oshiage Nyanko cafe owner Mr. Ishikawa focused on when he began making latte art. His inspiration for making his “cat latte art” came to him quite randomly one day when someone who worked at a magazine asked him something peculiar.

"Can you make a cat with latte art?" was the question that started it all. Although it was originally just Mr. Ishikawa's hobby, this fateful inquiry sent him on a spin of research on different milk types, ideal temperatures for making moldable foam all on his own. After a bit of practice, he became proficient at expressing himself through his latte art. We had the wonderful opportunity to witness the step by step process of making a cute "Soft Milk Soy Au Lait."

Making Cat Latte Art: The Method to the Cuteness

To start off, the coffee is prepared with Mr. Ishikawa's homemade roasted beans. The lovely aroma of coffee fills the air as the beans are ground and the hot water is poured. Latte art is not only about enjoying its visual appeal, but also about savoring the taste and aroma as well.

Next comes the soy milk. After experimenting many times, Mr. Ishikawa perfected the temperature and texture of the foam to be just the right consistency for sculpting his 3D latte art. He works carefully and quickly so that the coffee gets to the customer while it’s still hot.

One of his tricks is to pour the coffee into a cup that has been warmed up in advance, and then add the foamy soy milk on top. He uses hand-crafted cups made by renowned artisans. The gentle care that he puts into making each cup is evident with every sip of warm delicious coffee. This just adds to the appeal of this cafe.

Mr. Ishikawa has no need for fancy tools to make his latte art. All he uses is a simple bamboo skewer and his skilled, well-practiced hands. He’s a true craftsman in action. Even though Mr. Ishikawa claims that anybody can do this with a little practice, it still seems like you need to have a knack for it. This level of skill and commitment is rare indeed!

With the feet and ears added, the foam resembles the form of a cat more and more with each hand movement. Watching the process from the very start, it's almost like he’s bringing the latte foam cat to life.

Finally, the Oshiage Nyanko cafe’s signature drink "Soft Milk Soy Au Lait" is complete. It looks like a cat is relaxing in a nice little bath, almost too adorable to drink. When you get the opportunity to see this work in progress, it really tugs on those warm and fuzzy feelings of happiness. The ambiance, the aroma, the craftsmanship, and the extreme cuteness of the latte art all come together to create the perfect cafe experience.

But Wait… There’s More Latte Art?!

Next, he showed us how to make their "Ice Viennya Coffee." It’s another name that would make cat lovers smile, combining Vienna and "nya," the Japanese equivalent of "meow." The beans used for this coffee come from Mr. Ishikawa's teacher's store, making it a cross-generational masterpiece. After adding the whipped cream, he creates the cat.

With a few last touches, the "Ice Viennya Coffee" is complete! This foamy feline has a somewhat classy feel that resembles a Persian cat. Its exquisite, well-rounded flavor comes with a slight hint of almond that makes you feel just as classy as the cat in your cup.

Take a look at the menu! The drinks may take a while to finish because he creates each one carefully by hand. You’ll find that they are well worth the wait, however, once you see and taste the wonderful 3D latte art in front of you!

Make sure to visit Oshiage Nyanko to get your very own 3D latte art in Tokyo!